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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - 08/04/2004 *lb78914717_, cv s REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORI ar BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING RECEIVED it WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2004 ' �� SUMMARY OF ACTIONS 9 "ZS-etc/St 1. Administered the Oath of Office to Small Gity Mayors Appointee,Wayland Simmons, to the RTA Board 2. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of July 7, 2004 and Board Workshop Minutes of July 13, 2004 3. Adopted Resolutions for Outgoing Board Members and RTAC Chairperson 4. Heard Update on RTAC Committee Activities 5. Appointed RTAC Chairperson • 6. Accepted Committee Reports 7. Held PublicHearing regarding Proposed Budget Amendment to 2004 Operating Budget 8. Approved Proposed Budget Amendment to 2004 Operating Budget 9. Approved RTA Downtown Transportation Study Environmental Assessment Alignment of ShorelinelWater Street "hybrid" with Water Gardens Routing and Extension of the Streetcar Line to Memorial Coliseum, Holiday Inn, and the Hospital 10.Approved Soliciting Bids for Financial Audit Services 11.Approved Consent Agenda Items: a) Action to Approve the June 2004 Financial Report b) Action to Authorize Exercising the First Option Year for Grounds Maintenance to Four Star Services c) Action to Approve Issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for ADART In- Vehicle Computers d) Action to Award the First Year Option Contract to Unifirst for Uniform Rental Service and Related Items 12.Heard B-Line Report 13.Heard General Manager's Report 14.Provided Opportunity for Public Comment 15.Held Closed Session on General Manager Search and In Open-Session Appointed Ricardo Sanchez General Manager * * * * * * * * ** * * ** * * * * * * *** ** * ** * * * * * * ** ***** * * * ** * * * ** * * * * * * * The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors met at 8:30 a.m. in the Regional Transportation Authority Facility located at 5658 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, Texas. Board Members Present: Mike Rendon (Board Chair), Anna Flores (Board Vice- Chair), Carmen Arias (Board Secretary), Rolando Barrera, John Buckley, Davie Cissna, Abel Herrero, John Longoria, Crystal Lyons, David Martinez, Wayland Simmons SCANNED gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 2 Board Members Absent: None Staff Present: Ricardo Sanchez, General Manager; Kevin Bunce; Ed Carrion Vangie Chapa, Gayle Knight, Fred Haley, David Seiler, Stuart Sher, Elias Sissamis, Lamont Taylor, Sam Serino Public Present: Brenda Fernandez, Dawn Rasmussen, Edna Arredondo, MV Transportation; Eloy Soza, RTAC; Alan Wulkna, PB Consult; Rolando Garza, Ramona Sawyers, RTAEA; David Ramos; Abel Alonzo; Greg Salazar, David Garcia, Teamsters; Deborah Hovda, Jubilee Group Homes; Neal Falgoust, Caller Times; Manuel Garcia; Rudy Trevino, Channel 3; Carol Scott, Kailo Communications Call to Order The Board of Directors' meeting was called to order by Mr. Rendon at 8:36 a.m. Action to Administer the Oath of Office to Small City Mayors Appointee to the RTA Board Mr. Rendon administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Wayland Simmons who was appointed to the RTA Board of Directors on July 22, 2004 by the Small City Mayors to fulfill the unexpired term of office vacated by Mr. John Corder. Adoption of Resolution for Outgoing Board Members and RTAC Chairperson Mr. Rendon presented Ms. Diane Staley with a plaque and Ms. Arias read a resolution recognizing her years of service to the RTA Advisory Committee (RTAC). Mr. Alonzo commented on Ms. Staley's experience and service. Mr. Rendon remarked on Ms. Vicki Garza's dedicated service on the RTA's Board of Directors and the strength's she brought to the Board. He presented her with a plaque and Ms. Arias read a resolution recognizing her years of service on the Board. Ms. Garza commented on her experiences while serving on the Board. Mr. Rendon spoke on Mr. Abel Alonzo's enthusiastic support of ADA issues while serving on the Board. He presented him with a plaque and Ms. Arias read a resolution recognizing his service on the Board. Mr. Alonzo remarked on various issues. MS. ARIAS MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTIONS FOR OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS AND THE RTAC CHAIRPERSON. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Rendon called for a brief recess. --`gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 3 Mr. Rendon reconvened the meeting at 9:19 a.m. Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Board of Directors' Minutes of June 2, 2004 and Board Workshop Minutes of July 13, 2004 Mr. Rendon noted that the minutes to be approved were from July 7, 2004 instead of June 2, 2004. MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2004 AND BOARD WORKSHOP MINUTES OF JULY 13, 2004. MS. FLORES SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Update on RTAC Committee Activities Reporting on the July 15, 2004 RTA Advisory Committee meeting, Ms. Staley stated that one person had spoken in opposition to the revised advance reservations policy; the No Show Appeal Committee reported that four appeals had been heard; the Eligibility Appeal Committee reported on the findings on the seven scheduled appeals; heard an update on 3-Day advance reservation policy and that overall the Committee supported the policy change; and the Committee recommended Ms. Hovda serve as Chairperson. Action to Appoint RTAC Chairperson Ms. Staley commented on Ms. Hovda's qualifications for serving as Chairperson. MR. BARRERA MADE.A MOTION TO APPOINT MS. DEBRA HOVDA AS RTAC CHAIRPERSON. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Action to Accept Committee Reports Mr. Rendon called for additions or corrections to the Administration Committee meeting minutes of June 22, 2004, the Operations Committee meeting minutes of June 22, 2004 and the RTAC Committee meeting minutes of June 17, 2004. There being none the following motion was made: MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE COMMITTEE REPORTS. MR. BARRERA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Public Hearing regarding Proposed Budget Amendment to 2004 Operating Budget Mr. Rendon opened the public hearing at 9:26 a.m. .Lgional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 4 Mr. Roland Garza stated that he was representing Mr. Salazar, President of RTAEA. Commenting on the budget amendment agenda support material, Mr. Garza stated that he did not understand where the $42,000 would be used. He expressed his concern about under funding of the pension plan; prior Boards'using the allocated funds for other projects; the $300,000 cut from RTA workers and the fact that now that there was additional income, RTA was choosing to fund the Defined Benefit Plan and still leaving out the employees. He stated that RTAEA had asked the RTA actuary to do a study to provide a Cost of Living for retirees and were told that he could not do that without RTA Board approval. He inquired how was the RTAEA expected to comment on budget issues without knowing the details. He asked why bus parts were being purchased from two different funds—sales tax and federal funds through grant applications. Mr. Sissamis, using a PowerPoint presentation, provided detailed information explaining the requested amendments for sales tax revenue, fuel, Defined Benefit Pension Plan contribution, vehicle maintenance parts, communications, and manager of accounting position. Excluding 2003 refunds, Mr. Sissamis stated that sales tax activities were up about 6% year to date. He stated that posting requirements for adoption of the amendments had been met. Mr. Barrera asked if the cost for including merit increases had been calculated. Mr. Sissamis stated that this was calculated in 2003 and his best speculation was between $230,000 and $300,000. He noted that the incentives were not removed and all employees received a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Mr. Barrera expressed the opinion that he would like continuing sales tax updates to evaluate the feasibility of reinstating employee merit increases. Mr. Herrero concurred. Mr. Sissamis noted that that in 2003 there was a sales tax shortage of approximately $800,000. If the deficit were not recuperated, the result would be a shortage in grant match funding. Providing clarification to Mr. Garza, Mr. Sissamis explained that when federal monies are secured, there is a grant match amount and this was funded with sales tax monies. There was a varied discussion ranging from alternative funding sources to clarification that in 2003 a COLA was not implemented in lieu of a merit increase. Responding to Mr. Barrera, Mr. Sanchez stated that the 2005 budget schedule would be provided to the Board Members. He reported that a staff retreat would be held Friday, August 6, 2004, which would include employees representing different work groups. Mr. Rendon closed the public hearing at 10:03 a.m. -_ gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 5 Discussion and Possible Action to Approve.Proposed Budget Amendment to 2004 Operating Budget MS. FLORES MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO 2004 OPERATING BUDGET. MR. BARRERA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Discussion and Possible Action To Approve RTA Downtown Transportation Study Environmental Assessment (Alignment) Mr. Seiler presented a PowerPoint presentation of the 2004 Streetcar tour of Tampa, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Sanchez explained that the recommendation was to approve the following for inclusion in the preliminary design phase of the Downtown Transportation Study: 1) Select the Shoreline/Water Street "hybrid" alignment as detailed in the current Downtown Transportation Study Environmental Assessment Study; 2) include, as part of the Shoreline/Water Street"hybrid" alignment, the Water Gardens routing around the American Bank Center; and 3) include, as part of the Shoreline/Water Street "hybrid" alignment, extension of the streetcar line to Memorial Coliseum. Mr. Seiler, using a PowerPoint presentation, overviewed the project purpose and need, the decisions needed to finalize the Environmental Assessment document, and future decisions. He noted that $500K has been allocated under FHWA for Preliminary Engineering (PE). This would cover approximately half of the anticipated PE cost. He compared the Watergarden and Resaca St. routing options. He discussed the projected impact that construction would have on businesses along the route. Referencing the proposed extension to Memorial Coliseum, Mr. Seiler noted that the cost impact would need to be reviewed further. Mr. Sanchez introduced Ms. Carol Scott; she was asked to present the results of the telephone survey conduced by Montgomery and Associates on June 30 through July 2, 2004. Ms. Scott stated that the telephone survey was one of four feedback mechanisms used to gather citizen opinion. Local presentations have been made; a web-based survey was conducted, as well as a transit rider survey. The telephone survey sampled 410 registered voters in the City of Corpus Christi. She referred to the results gathered from the survey. Of particular concern to the citizens was the project's cost. The survey concluded that there was tentative support for a streetcar system. She recommended increased public education regarding the benefits of a streetcar system and the need to identify funding options. _:gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 6 Mr. Barrera asked to review the final cross tab report. Mr. Sanchez stated that upon completion, it would be provided to the Board. Mr. Sanchez stated that a copy of the questionnaire used in the telephone survey would also be provided. The next topic discussed was the support needed from the partners in the streetcar project, including written confirmation regarding what type of support they would provide for the project. Mr. Wulkan did not support the RTA undertaking the streetcar project without support from community partners. He stated that although the City of Corpus Christi and Port of Corpus Christi had not made financial commitments, they have been receptive to providing other types of support. The Port of Corpus Christi is looking at property for a maintenance facility site that RTA could lease at minimal or no cost. The City of Corpus Christi is agreeable to working together on utility relocations. He stated that it would be approximately six to nine months before a final finance plan could be presented. He advised that for the project to be successful, there needed to be a community partnership. After a brief discussion on the funding used to date and the portion paid by federal and local funds, Mr. Sanchez stated that he would provide a business plan, a history of the project's expenditures, and a decision tree to the Board. Mr. Barrera expressed his reservation about moving forward with Preliminary Engineering until a firm commitment was received from the project partners. He clarified that there would be an additional $300,000 cost to include the Memorial Coliseum extension to the base plan. Mr. Herrero asked for the following: 1) the cross tabs from the telephone survey; 2) in Memphis was any economic boost because of the trolley project and if so what sort of impact and where; 3) more information from residents in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas; 4) has the Memphis streetcar operating budget increased compared to their projected budget; and 5) what negative experiences did Memphis encounter. Mr. Wulkan recommended that the Memorial Coliseum extension not be undertaken in the first phase in order to qualify as a "small starts" project—thereby eliminating the additional cost of a full environmental statement. He explained that the Board could chose to keep the technical process moving forward on the Memorial Coliseum extension without committing to building it. The Memorial Coliseum extension would be a separate project from the federal project. He recommended that if the decision was made to look at the feasibility of the extension, that the Preliminary Engineering include having the route pass in front of the Holiday Inn and Christus Spohn hospital. Responding to Mr. Barrera, Mr.Wulkan affirmed that the Board could decide at a later date to change the scope of the route. ' ,;gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 7 MR. BARRERA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SHORELINE/WATER STREET "HYBRID" ALIGNMENT; INCLUDE, AS PART OF THE SHORELINE/ WATER STREET "HYBRID" ALIGNMENT, THE WATER GARDENS ROUTING AROUND THE AMERICAN BANK CENTER; AND INCLUDE, AS PART OF THE SHORELINE/WATER STREET "HYBRID" ALIGNMENT, THE EXTENSION OF THE STREETCAR LINE TO MEMORIAL COLISEUM, HOLIDAY INN AND HOSPITAL. MS. ARIAS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Barrera emphasized the need to negotiate a dedicated right of way to alleviate the potential traffic congestion around the convention center and baseball stadium. Mr. Seiler stated that alternatives for traffic control have been discussed with the affected entities. Mr. Sanchez stated that a plan of action would be presented within the next 30-60 days. Opportunity for Public Comment Mr. Roland Garza commented on the telephone survey; the merit bonuses; incentives and other pay bonuses taken away from RTA employees; and potential savings in legal expenses realized because of the partnership with RTA management. He asked what were.the commission sales from Aransas Auto Plex on the buses and what was going to be done with the remaining $42,000. He voiced his support for hiring Mr. Sanchez as General Manager. Discussion and Possible Action Concerning Retention of an Auditor for 2004 Financial Audit Mr. Sanchez explained the action taken at the Administration Committee meeting and that Gowland Streel and Morales have performed the financial audit for nine years. Mr. Buckley voiced opposition to seeking a new firm due to various ongoing projects. After talking briefly about the advantages and disadvantages of retaining the same audit firm, the following motions were made: MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO EXERCISE THE FINAL OPTION YEAR WITH GOWLAND, STREALY, MORALES & CO. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE , MOTION. THE MOTION FAILED WITH FOUR MEMBERS VOTING YES AND FIVE MEMBERS VOTING NO. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR FINANCIAL AUDIT SERVICES. MR. HERRERO SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH BUCKLEY VOTING NO. Consent Agenda Items ;gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 8 Mr. Sanchez called for consideration of the Consent Agenda items which are of a routine or administrative nature. He asked if there were any items that should be pulled from the Consent Agenda. There being none, Mr. Rendon called for a vote on the following consent items: a) Action to Approve the June 2004 Financial Report b) Action to Authorize Exercising the First Option Year for Grounds Maintenance to Four Star Services c) Action to Approve Issuing anInvitation for Bids (IFB) for ADART In-Vehicle Computers d) Action to Award the First Year Option Contract to Unifirst font. Uniform Rental Service and Related Items MR. HERRERO MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 11a THROUGH lid. MR. LONGORIA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B-Line Report Ms. Fernandez, reporting on the month of June 2004, stated that ridership was 13,917 which was higher than in June 2003; denials were at 0; passengers per hour (pph) was 2.66; on-time performance was 94.2% which is below contract but in direct correlation with increased pph and zero denials; CAF's were at 37 with 15 related to the trial 3-Day Reservation Policy and 1 commendation; no-shows and same day.trip cancellations were at a total of 11.8% of trips reserved. Providing a general update, she reported that meetings on ADART were on going and more routes would be converted to ADART; employees were recognized; fundraiser update was provided; and Michael St. Julien had provided sensitivity training. The next sensitivity training would focus on riders who use wheelchairs in transport. General Manager's Report Mr. Sanchez stated that RTA was honored on Monday, July 26, 2004 by the Accessibility Coalition of the Coastal Bend for accessibility compliance at the Southside Transfer Station and for its 2002 Bus Stop Improvements; a Karen Moody award has been set up; RTA provided charters at the'TAMACC convention; Mr. Chuck Graves would be attending the September Board meeting; RTA would be receiving funding from a HUD economic development initiative for ADA improvements in our curb cuts and Would not require a match; one proposal had been received for the Southside property; the FTA Triennial review would conducted on August 23-25, 2004; a staff retreat would be held Friday, August 6, 2004; congratulated Gayle Knight on being selected as Paratransit Coordinator; announced that the B-Line contract has been executed; the Verizon bumper sticker on the buses was a 2-month program netting about $8,000; and that staff would be attending a TxDOT meeting at Calallen High school regarding i r ..;gional Transportation Authority Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes August 4,2004 Page 9 improvements on 624. He announced that the annual RTA Employee benefits fair would be held August 23rd; a retirement planning seminar for employees and their spouses was also planned; and an ADART Peer Review would be held in November of this year. Ms. Arias left the meeting. Closed Session on General Manager Search with Possible Action in Open Session Mr. Rendon announced that the time was 12:10 p.m. and the Board would go into closed session in order to discuss Agenda Item 15, concerning Personnel Matters under Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Mr. Rendon reconvened the Board meeting at 12:51 p.m. MR. LONGORIA MADE A MOTION TO UNDERTAKE A NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR A NEW GENERAL MANAGER. MR. BUCKLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN WITH LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, LYONS, AND CISSNA VOTING YES. SIMMONS, HERRERO, FLORES, BARRERA, MARTINEZ AND RENDON VOTING NO. THE MOTION FAILED. MR. SIMMONS MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MR. SANCHEZ AS GENERAL MANAGER. MR. MARTINEZ SECONDED THE MOTION. LONGORIA, BUCKLEY, LYONS, CISSNA, SIMMONS, FLORES, BARRERA, MARTINEZ AND RENDON VOTING YES. HERRERO ABSTAINING. Mr. Bell explained that a Committee was in place that would negotiate the employment agreement with Mr. Sanchez. Mr. Rendon stated that an agreement would be presented for the Board's approval at the next Board meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m. fr., Carmen Arias Board Secretary Date